The ABC Motsepe League in the Free State continues this weekend, with various matches in stream B being played on Saturday (29/01).
These matches represent the first round played under the auspices of Safa.
Blackcross FC, in third position with 14 points, has a chance to claim the second position with a victory over African Warriors FC. A favourable result will propel the club to 17 points, equal to Bloemfontein Celtic FC.
Bloemfontein Young Tigers FC will take on Harmony FC, and Spartans FC will meet Sibanye Golden Stars FC. Both fixtures will be played in Welkom.
The Marquard-based outfit Dynamos FC, on 12 points, will play host to Excelsior United FC, on ten points. The latter will be looking to unseat the host, who will be fighting to salvage the three points to widen the gap.
After the weekend’s fixtures, most clubs will be equal in terms of official matches played, with the exception of Tigers, Celtic, Blackcross and Harmony. These four clubs have outstanding matches arising from separate incidents during December.
The match between Blackcross and Harmony was abandoned after heavy rainfall flooded the pitch. Safa in the province is yet to determine the date on which the match is to be replayed.
A peculiar dispute between Celtic and Tigers arose after their scheduled match was called off despite both clubs being present at the venue. It is reported that the host, Celtic, objected when Tigers only provided players’ cards as form of identification before the match. Although Tigers acted in compliance with league regulations, Celtic demanded that Tigers also provide identity documents. The dispute resulted in the match being abandoned.
The matter is yet to be dealt with by Safa’s disciplinary committee, which is expected to provide clear guidance to the 18 clubs participating in this league in the Free State regarding the use of player cards and identity documents for league matches.
- Stream A of the ABC Motsepe League is expected to resume with the second round on 5 February.
